Trail Running during the Summer Heat

With the recent change from running at Prince of Peace Catholic Church to Running at Little Mulberry Park in Gwinnett County Georgia we now have the option of running on soft paved path or trails –vs- road running. Recently while running with a group, which decided to add a 1 mile trail run to our path run, I had a decision to make; to run by myself or to stay with the group and try running on the trail. I very hesitantly decided to give the trail a try and stayed with the group. I have not run on a trail since, I guess High School, cross county or at the very least since I had my ankle rebuilt back in 1988, over 22 years ago. To explain a little more on my hesitation, between my rebuilt ankle, my bad knee, and bilateral hip replacement I have very weak legs, plus I have poor balance. My goal on this run was to make it through the trail without turning my ankle or taking a fall – the heck with my pace, I was not going to embarrass myself. I actually, to a small degree, enjoyed my run and my body did not suffer from it as I was anticipating or feared. I just have to pay attention to the rocks, roots and horse patties; yes I learn we were running on horse trails.

I plan on adding the trails to my run, only with a little more pace and lets see how it goes. What brings me back to the trail? I could really feel the cooler change in temperature from the heavy wooded trail run; actually it was much darker in the woods as well which would help protect you from the harmful rays of the sun.

If you are looking for a change in your road running routine, check out some of the parks that we have in the Atlanta area. Here’s a great resource of many trail running locations around Atlanta with descriptions of each. Go to www.GeorgiaTrails.com to find a new trail that may help you get into trail running or just offer an alternative to pavement from time to time.

Comments

[Summer]

I have been so bewlirdeed in the past but now it all makes sense!

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